The Khajuraho Dance Festival – is being held every year from 20th – 26th February
The live performances include Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, Mohiniattam and Bharatnatyam by famous Indian classical dancers.
Held every year, Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place at the open-air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to the Sun God and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are situated in the Western Group of temples, which is the largest, well maintained and most easily accessible temple group of Khajuraho. Started regularly since 2002, this weeklong festival has already become legendary with its classical dance performances presented in a dreamlike setting of splendidly illuminated temples. Khajuraho temples has sculptures depicting the art of love, dance and music in stone. No other venue can be more befitting to hold the cultural festival highlighting the various classical dances of India!
Some of the best artists and performers that have marked themselves in their fields come from the various states of India to participate in the festival and the performances including some of the best known dance styles such as the intricate footwork of Kathak, highly stylized and sophisticated Bharathanatyam, soft lyrical temple dance of Odissi, the dance dramas of Kuchipudi, Manipuri, the dance of rare and ancient civilization and Kathakali stage fights with elaborate masks. Recently, modern Indian dances have also found their place in the Khajuraho Dance festival. Along with the dance performances one can also see a number of craftsmen trading off their indigenous arts and crafts to the visitors.